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METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING INTELLIGENT DEVICE, AND
COMPUTER-READABLE MEDIUM

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and device for controlling an
intelligent device in the technological field of intelligent household
appliances. The intelligent device is configured to acquire a current
time and a current environment state, determine an operational running
time for the intelligent device to adjust the current environment state
to a first target environment state, wherein the first target environment
state is an environment state to be achieved by a target time, and
control the intelligent device based on the current time, the running
time and the target time.

1. A method for controlling an intelligent device, comprising: acquiring
a current time from a clock timing application; determining a current
environment state within a vicinity of the intelligent device based on
sensor information received from an environmental sensor; determining a
running time for operating the intelligent device to adjust the current
environment state to a first target environment state by a target time;
and controlling operation of the intelligent device to achieve the first
target environment state based on the current time, the running time, and
the target time.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling operation of the
intelligent device based on the current time, the running time, and the
target time comprises: obtaining a predicted time by adding the running
time to the current time; and controlling operation of the intelligent
device based on the predicted time and the target time.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein controlling operation of the
intelligent device based on the predicted time and the target time
comprises: controlling operation of the intelligent device when the
predicted time is the same as the target time; or determining a first
difference value between the target time and the predicted time, and
controlling operation of the intelligent device when the first difference
value is less than a first specified time.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to determining a
running time required to adjust the current environment state to a first
target environment state: accessing a database storing a plurality of
historical environment states, the plurality of historical environment
states corresponding to environment states previously achieved by the
intelligent device operating to adjust an environment state; selecting at
least one valid environment state from the plurality of historical
environment states; determining a first weighted value for the at least
one valid environment state; and setting the first weighted value as the
first target environment state.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein determining the first weighted value
for the at least one valid environment state comprises: acquiring a first
historical date for the at least one valid environment state,
respectively, to obtain at least one first historical date, the first
historical date being a date on which an environment state was previously
adjusted to the valid environment state by the intelligent device;
determining at least one first weight using a specified function based on
the at least one first historical date; and calculating the first
weighted value for the at least one valid environment state based on the
at least one first weight.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising: receiving a first updating
instruction, the first updating instruction carrying a second target
environment state; and updating the plurality of historical environment
states based on the second target environment state.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein updating the plurality of historical
environment states based on the second target environment state
comprises: acquiring a second historical date for the plurality of
historical environment states, respectively, the second historical date
being a date on which an environment state was previously adjusted to the
historical environment states by the intelligent device; selecting from
the plurality of historical environment states a historical environment
state having an earliest second historical date; and replacing the
selected historical environment state with the second target environment
state.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising: prior to determining a
running time required to adjust the current environment state to a first
target environment state: selecting at least one valid time from a
plurality of historical times, the historical times corresponding to
times the intelligent device has been previously controlled to adjust an
environment state; determining a second weighted value for the at least
one valid time; and setting the second weighted value as the target time.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein determining the second weighted value
for the at least one valid time comprises: acquiring a third historical
date for the at least one valid time respectively to obtain at least one
third historical date, the third historical date corresponding to a date
for controlling the intelligent device at the valid time; determining at
least one second weight using a specified function based on the at least
one third historical date; and calculating a second weighted value for
the at least one valid time based on the at least one second weight.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising: acquiring, upon receiving
a second updating instruction, a receiving time for receiving the second
updating instruction; and updating the plurality of the historical times
based on the receiving time.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein updating the plurality of the
historical times based on the receiving time comprises: acquiring a
fourth historical date for the plurality of historical times
respectively, the fourth historical date corresponding to a date for
controlling the intelligent device at the historical times; selecting
from the plurality of historical times a historical time having an
earliest fourth historical date; and replacing the selected historical
time with the receiving time.

12. A device for controlling an intelligent device, comprising: a
processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;
wherein the processor is configured to execute the processor-executable
instructions to: acquire a current time from a clock timing application;
determine a current environment state within a vicinity of the
intelligent device based on sensor information received from an
environmental sensor sensed from an environmental sensor; determine a
running time for operating the intelligent device to adjust the current
environment state to a first target environment state by a target time;
and control operation of the intelligent device based on the current
time, the running time, and the target time.

13. The device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: obtain a predicted
time by adding the running time to the current time; and control
operation of the intelligent device based on the predicted time and the
target time.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: control operation of
the intelligent device when the predicted time is the same as the target
time; or determine a first difference value between the target time and
the predicted time, and control operation of the intelligent device when
the first difference value is less than a first specified time.

15. The device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: access a database
storing a plurality of historical environment states, the plurality of
historical environment states corresponding to environment states
previously achieved by the intelligent device operating to adjust an
environment state; select at least one valid environment state from the
plurality of historical environment states; determine a first weighted
value for the at least one valid environment state; and set the first
weighted value as the first target environment state.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: acquire a first
historical date for the at least one valid environment state respectively
to obtain at least one first historical date, the first historical date
being a date on which an environment state was previously adjusted to the
valid environment state by the intelligent device; determine at least one
first weight using a specified function based on the at least one first
historical date; and calculate the first weighted value for the at least
one valid environment state based on the at least one first weight.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: receive a first
updating instruction, the first updating instruction carrying a second
target environment state; and update the plurality of historical
environment states based on the second target environment state.

18. The device of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: select at least one
valid time from a plurality of historical times, the historical times
corresponding to times the intelligent device has been previously
controlled to adjust an environment state; determine a second weighted
value for the at least one valid time; and setting the second weighted
value as the target time.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein the processor is further configured
to execute the processor-executable instructions to: acquire, upon
receiving the second updating instruction, a receiving time for receiving
a second updating instruction; and update the plurality of the historical
times based on the receiving time.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored
therein instructions that, when executed by a processor of a controller
device, causes the controller device to perform a method for controlling
an intelligent device, the method comprising: acquiring a current time
from a clock timing application; determining a current environment state
within a vicinity of the intelligent device based on sensor information
received from an environmental sensor; determining a running time for
operating the intelligent device to adjust the current environment state
to a first target environment state by a target time; and controlling
operation of the intelligent device to achieve the first target
environment state based on the current time, the running time, and the
target time.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No.
201510919429.5, filed on Dec. 11, 2015, the entirety of which is
incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure describes intelligent household appliances
configured to sense environmental conditions, determine different
settings and schedules for operation, and control operation to achieve
different target environment conditions based on the sensed environmental
conditions, settings, and schedules. The intelligent household appliances
may reference historical information and/or current instructions to
achieve the different target environmental conditions.

BACKGROUND

[0003] With users paying more attention to the quality of life,
intelligent devices that are able to achieve certain desired results with
at least some level of autonomy have become found their way into homes.
Users are often still required to provide manual control commands to an
intelligent device to allow the intelligent device to fully operate.
However, the process of controlling an intelligent device manually can be
complicated and may inconvenience users. Therefore, a method for
controlling an intelligent device having a simple process of controlling
is contemplated.

SUMMARY

[0004] An intelligent device, a method for controlling the intelligent
device, and a computer-readable medium storing instructions for
controlling operation of the intelligent device are provided in the
present disclosure to overcome one or more problems existed in related
arts.

[0005] According to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, a method
for controlling an intelligent device is provided, the method comprising:
acquiring a current time and a current environment state; determining a
running time required to adjust the current environment state to a first
target environment state, the first target environment state being an
environment state at a target time, the target time being a time for
controlling the intelligent device; and controlling the intelligent
device based on the current time, the running time and the target time.

[0006] According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, a
device for controlling an intelligent device is provided, the device
comprising: an acquiring module configured to acquire a current time and
a current environment state; a first determining module configured to
determine a running time required to adjust the current environment state
to a first target environment state, the first target environment state
being an environment state at a target time, the target time being a time
for controlling the intelligent device; and a controlling module
configured to control the intelligent device based on the current time,
the running time and the target time. A module may include a combination
of hardware, software, and/or circuitry for implementing its described
features.

[0007] According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a device
for controlling an intelligent device is provided, the device comprising:
a processor; a memory for storing processor-executable instructions;
wherein the processor is configured to: acquire a current time and a
current environment state; determine a running time required to adjust
the current environment state to a first target environment state, the
first target environment state being an environment state at a target
time, the target time being a time for controlling the intelligent
device; and control the intelligent device based on the current time, the
running time and the target time.

[0008] According to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, there
is provided a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having
stored therein instructions that, when executed by a processor of a
device, causes the device to perform a method for controlling an
intelligent device, comprising: acquiring a current time and a current
environment state; determining a running time required to adjust the
current environment state to a first target environment state, the first
target environment state being an environment state at a target time, the
target time being a time for controlling the intelligent device; and
controlling the intelligent device based on the current time, the running
time and the target time.

[0009] It is to be understood that the forgoing general description and
the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory only,
and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the
present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain
the principles of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for controlling an
intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating another method for controlling
an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a function graph of a
specified function according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a first device for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a controlling module
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a controlling unit according
to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a second device for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a second determining module
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a third device for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a first updating module
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a fourth device for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a fourth determining module
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a fifth device for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a second updating module
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a sixth device for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to example embodiments,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The
following description refers to the accompanying drawings in which same
numbers in different drawings represent same or similar elements unless
otherwise described. The implementations set forth in the following
description of example embodiments do not represent all implementations
consistent with the present disclosure. Instead, they are merely examples
of device and methods consistent with aspects related to the present
disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0027] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, an intelligent device
may acquire a current time and a current environment state, and determine
a running time required to adjust the current environment state to a
first target environment state. Then the intelligent device may obtain a
predicted time by adding the current time and the running time, and
control the intelligent device automatically based on the predicted time
and the target time. The control process is simple, and the operation
overhead of user is decreased. In the embodiments of the present
disclosure, the intelligent device may be controlled in advance before a
target time to allow the intelligent device to operate, so as to ensure
that the current environment state may be adjusted at a target time to a
first target environment state needed by the user, increasing the user
experience. For example, the intelligent device may determine the running
time required to adjust the current environment state to the first target
environment state through machine learning techniques or relying on past
historical statistical data describing past user behaviors controlling
the intelligent device to achieve the first target environment state.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a flow chart 100 illustrating a method for controlling an
intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure. For example, the method may be implemented by an intelligent
device or another controller device configured to control the intelligent
device. As shown in FIG. 1, the method may include the following steps.

[0029] In step 101, a current time and a current environment state may be
acquired. The current time may be acquired from a clock application
running on the controller device or the intelligent device. In addition
or alternatively, the current time may be acquired from an off-site
server running a clock timing application. The current environment state
may be acquired from one or more sensors that are part of the controller
device or the intelligent device. Exemplary sensors may include
temperature sensors, moisture sensors, light sensors, pressure sensors,
distance measuring sensors, or other known sensors for sensing an
environmental state for an environment surrounding the intelligent
device. The sensors may also be included in other devices in
communication with the intelligent device so that the intelligent device
may acquire sensor information from the other devices.

[0030] In step 102, a running time required to adjust the current
environment state to a first target environment state may be determined,
wherein the first target environment state may be an environment state at
a target time, and the target time may be a time for initiating control
of the intelligent device. After acquiring the current environment state,
the intelligent device may calculate the running time required to adjust
the current environment state to the first target environment state
according to its own power. The running time may be an estimated time for
the intelligent device to achieve the first target environment state.

[0031] It is to be noted that the first target environment state may be an
environment state to which the intelligent device operates to achieve by
adjusting the current environment state to become the first target
environment state. The first target environment state may be determined
based on operating habits of a user of the intelligent device. In
addition, the target time may more specifically be a time for initiating
control of the intelligent device to begin adjusting the environment
state to achieve the first target environment state as determined, for
example, based on the operating habits of a user.

[0032] In step 103, the intelligent device may be controlled to achieve
the first target environment state based on the current time, the running
time and the target time.

[0033] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the intelligent
device may acquire the current time and the current environment state,
determine the running time required to adjust the current environment
state to the first target environment state, and then control the
intelligent device automatically based on the current time, the running
time and the target time. The control process is simple, and the
operation overhead for a user is decreased.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, controlling the
intelligent device based on the current time, the running time and the
target time may comprise: obtaining a predicted time at which the
intelligent device is predicted to achieve the first target environment
state by adding the current time and the running time; and controlling
the intelligent device based on the predicted time and the target time.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, controlling the
intelligent device to achieve the first target environment state based on
the predicted time and the target time may comprise: controlling the
intelligent device when the predicted time is determined to be the same
as the target time; or determining a first difference value between the
target time and the predicted time when the predicted time is determined
not to be the same as the target time, and controlling the intelligent
device when the first difference value is less than a first specified
time.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, before determining a
running time required to adjust the current environment state to the
first target environment state, the method may further comprise:
selecting at least one valid environment state from a plurality of
historical environment states, the historical environment states
describing environment states previously adjusted successfully by the
intelligent device before the current time; determining a first weighted
value for the at least one valid environment state; and setting the first
weighted value as the first target environment state.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, determining the
first weighted value for the at least one valid environment state may
comprise: acquiring at least one first historical date corresponding to
the at least one valid environment state, respectively, the at least one
first historical date describing a date on which an environment state was
adjusted to the valid environment state by the intelligent device;
determining at least one first weight using a specified function based on
the at least one first historical date; and calculating the first
weighted value for the at least one valid environment state based on the
at least one first weight.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method may
further comprise: receiving a first updating instruction, the first
updating instruction carrying a second target environment state; and
updating the plurality of historical environment states based on the
second target environment state. The first updating instruction may be
received, for example, from a user input. The first updating instruction
may also be received, for example, from a data server that stores the
user's historical control of environment states with respect to the
intelligent device.

[0039] It is to be noted that the first updating instruction may be used
to adjust the current environment state to the second target environment
state. The first updating instruction may be triggered by a user. For
example, the user may trigger the first updating instruction by
implementing a specified operation such as inputting a clicking command
via a button on the controller device, inputting a sliding command via a
touch screen on the controller device, inputting a voice command via a
microphone on the controller device and so on, and the embodiments of the
present disclosure are not intended to limit in the context.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, updating the
plurality of historical environment states based on the second target
environment state may comprise: acquiring at least one second historical
date corresponding to the plurality of historical environment states,
respectively, the at least one second historical date describing a date
on which an environment state was previously adjusted successfully to the
historical environment states by the intelligent device; selecting a
historical environment state having an earliest second historical date
from the plurality of historical environment states; and replacing the
selected historical environment state with the second target environment
state.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, before determining
the running time required to adjust the current environment state to the
first target environment state, the method may further comprise:
selecting at least one valid time from a plurality of historical times,
the plurality of historical times describing times for controlling the
intelligent device before the current time; determining a second weighted
value for the at least one valid time; and determining the second
weighted value as the target time.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, determining the
second weighted value for the at least one valid time may comprise:
acquiring a third historical date for the at least one valid time
respectively to obtain at least one third historical date, the third
historical date being a date for controlling the intelligent device at
the valid time; determining at least one second weight using a
predetermined function based on the at least one third historical date;
and calculating a second weighted value for the at least one valid time
based on the at least one second weight.

[0043] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the method may
further comprise: upon receiving a second updating instruction, acquiring
a receiving time for receiving the second updating instruction; and
updating the plurality of the historical times based on the receiving
time.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the updating the
plurality of the historical times based on the receiving time may
comprise: acquiring a fourth historical date for the plurality of
historical times respectively, the fourth historical date being a date
for controlling the intelligent device at the historical times; selecting
a historical time having an earliest fourth historical date from the
plurality of historical times; and replacing the selected historical time
with the receiving time.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the above technical solutions may be
combined in any manner to form optional embodiments of the present
disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a flow chart 200 illustrating another method for
controlling an intelligent device according to an exemplary embodiment of
the present disclosure. For example, the method may be implemented by an
intelligent device. As shown in FIG. 2, the method may include the
following steps.

[0047] In step 201, the intelligent device may acquire a current time and
a current environment state. The current time may be acquired from a
clock application running on the intelligent device. In addition or
alternatively, the current time may be acquired from an off-site server
running a clock timing application. The current environment state may be
acquired from one or more sensors that are part of the intelligent
device. Exemplary sensors may include temperature sensors for sensing
ambient temperature, moisture sensors for sensing ambient humidity, light
sensors for sensing ambient light, pressure sensors for sensing ambient
pressure, distance measuring sensors for sensing a distance to an object
within a vicinity of the intelligent device, or other known sensors for
sensing an environmental state for an environment surrounding the
intelligent device.

[0048] Reference may further be made to related arts for the process of
acquiring the current time and the current environment state by the
intelligent device.

[0049] The type of sensors included on the intelligent device may be
dependent on the type of appliance of the intelligent device. For
example, the intelligent device may include a temperature sensor when the
intelligent device is an intelligent air-conditioner, and the intelligent
device may include a humidity sensor when the intelligent device is an
intelligent humidifier.

[0050] In step 202, the intelligent device may determine a running time
required to adjust the current environment state to a first target
environment state, wherein the first target environment state may be an
environment state at a target time, and the target time may be a time for
initiating control of the intelligent device.

[0051] After acquiring the current environment state, the intelligent
device may calculate the running time required to adjust the current
environment state to the first target environment state according to its
own power. The running time may be an estimated time for the intelligent
device to achieve the first target environment state. Reference may be
made to related arts for the calculation process, which will not be
detailed herein.

[0052] It is to be noted that the first target environment state may be an
environment state to which the intelligent device operates to achieve by
adjusting the current environment state to become the first target
environment state. The first target environment state may be determined
based on operating habits of a user of the intelligent device. In
addition, the target time may more specifically be a time for initiating
control of the intelligent device to begin adjusting the environment
state to achieve the first target environment state as determined, for
example, based on the operating habits of a user.

[0053] Further, before determining the running time required to adjust the
current environment state to the first target environment state, the
intelligent device may determine the first target environment state and
the target time based on the operating habits of the user. The operation
of determining the first target environment state by the intelligent
device may include the following step (a), and the operation of
determining the target time by the intelligent device may include the
following step (b).

[0054] At step (a), the intelligent device may select at least one valid
environment state from a plurality of historical environment states,
wherein the historical environment states may be stored in a look-up
table or other database configured to store the historical environment
states. The historical environment states may describe environment states
previously achieved by the intelligent device (i.e., before the current
time) by successfully adjusting the surrounding environment. The
intelligent device may further determine a first weighted value for the
at least one valid environment state, and set the first weighted value as
the first target environment state.

[0055] When selecting at least one valid environment state from a
plurality of historical environment states, the intelligent device may
select from a specified range of environment states, and set the selected
historical environment states from the specified range as the at least
one valid environment state. Alternatively, the intelligent device may
acquire one or more abnormal environment states from the plurality of
historical environment states, and set environment states that were not
selected as the abnormal environment states as the at least one valid
environment states. Of course, the intelligent device may select at least
one valid environment state from a plurality of historical environment
states by other ways, which are not limited in the embodiments of the
present disclosure. An abnormal state may describe a state that is not
within the specified range (e.g., not within the range between the
temperatures 14.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 16.degree. C., and 33.degree.
C.).

[0056] For example, when the plurality of historical environment states
includes 26.degree. C. (Celsius, 24.degree. C., 14.degree. C., 27.degree.
C., 24.degree. C., 28.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 24.degree. C.,
16.degree. C., and 33.degree. C., the specified range of environment
states may be defined as temperatures ranging from 20.degree.
C.-30.degree. C. With this specified range of environment states of
temperatures ranging from 20.degree. C.-30.degree. C., the intelligent
device may select one or more of the historical environment states that
reside within 20.degree. C.-30.degree. C. (e.g., 26.degree. C.,
24.degree. C., 27.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 28.degree. C., and
24.degree. C.). Then whichever historical environment states are selected
(e.g., namely one or more of 26.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 27.degree. C.,
24.degree. C., 28.degree. C., and 24.degree. C.), may be set to be the
valid environment states.

[0057] Alternatively, when the plurality of historical environment states
includes, for example, 26.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 14.degree. C.,
27.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 28.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 24.degree.
C., 16.degree. C., and 33.degree. C., the abnormal environment states
selected from the plurality of historical environment states by the
intelligent device may include 14.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 16.degree.
C., and 33.degree. C. With this selection of abnormal environment states,
the intelligent device may determine the historical environment states
include 26.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 27.degree. C., 24.degree. C.,
28.degree. C., and 24.degree. C., which coincides with the historical
environment states that were not selected as the abnormal environment
states (namely 14.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 16.degree. C., and
33.degree. C.). The historical environment states include 26.degree. C.,
24.degree. C., 27.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 28.degree. C., and
24.degree. C., may then be set as the valid environment states.

[0058] It is to be noted that the valid environment states may be the
environment states in the plurality of historical environment states that
may be used to determine the first target environment state, and the
abnormal environment states may be the environment states in the
plurality of historical environment states that may be abnormal. In other
words, the features of the abnormal environment states may differ from
those of the historical environment states other than the abnormal
environment states in the plurality of historical environment states.

[0059] In addition, the specified range of environment states may be
preset. For example, the specified range describing temperatures ranging
from 20.degree. C.-30.degree. C., may have been a preset range.

[0060] When acquiring the abnormal environment states from the plurality
of historical environment states, the intelligent device may acquire the
abnormal environment states by its own anomaly detection module, or may
acquire the abnormal environment states by an installed third-party
anomaly detection application. The embodiments of the present disclosure
are not intended to limit in the context.

[0061] It is to be noted that the third-party anomaly detection
application may be used to detect the abnormal data from a plurality of
data that may include abnormal data as well as other data, the features
of which differ from those of the data other than the abnormal data in
the plurality of data. For example, the third-party anomaly detection
application may be an SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions)
application, an SAS (Statistical Analysis System) application or the
like, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to
limit in the context.

[0062] When determining a first weighted value for the at least one valid
environment state, the intelligent device may acquire at least one first
historical date corresponding to the at least one valid environment
state, respectively, wherein each first historical date acquired by the
intelligent device may be a date on which an environment state was
adjusted to a valid environment state by the intelligent device. The
intelligent device may further determine at least one first weight using
a specified function based on the at least one first historical date, and
calculate a first weighted value for the at least one valid environment
state based on the at least one first weight.

[0063] It is to be noted that the first historical date for the at least
one valid environment state may be a date on which the at least one valid
environment state was stored by the intelligent device, respectively.

[0064] In addition, the specified function may be a predetermined
function. For example, the specified function may be an inverse
proportional function such as

y = k x ( k > 0 , x > 0 ) ##EQU00001##

or another function having a relationship as depicted by graph 300 in
FIG. 3, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present
disclosure.

[0065] The first weight may be a representation of the level to which the
valid environment state corresponding to the first weight can be relied
upon in determining a first target environment state.

[0066] When determining the at least one first weight using the specified
function based on the at least one first historical date, the intelligent
device may acquire the current date, and calculate a second difference
value between the current date and the at least one first historical date
respectively to obtain at least one second difference value, and then
determine the at least one first weight using the specified function
based on the at least one second difference value.

[0067] For example, consider when the at least one first historical date
includes Dec. 5, 2014, Dec. 6, 2014, Dec. 9, 2014, Dec. 10, 2014, Dec.
11, 2014, and Dec. 15, 2014 and when the current date is Dec. 18, 2014.
Then the second difference value between the current date and the at
least one first historical date may be calculated respectively to obtain
the at least one second difference values as 13, 12, 9, 8, 7, and 3 days.
The at least one first weight may then be determined using the specified
function based on the at least one second difference value of 13, 12, 9,
8, 7, and 3 days.

[0068] When determining the at least one first weight using the specified
function based on the at least one second difference value, the
intelligent device may take the least one second difference value as an
independent variable for the specified function to calculate a dependent
variable corresponding to the at least one second difference value
respectively to obtain at least one dependent variable, and determine the
at least one dependent variable as the at least one first weight.

[0069] For example, the specified function may be

y = 1 x ( x > 0 ) , ##EQU00002##

and the at least one second difference value may include 13, 12, 9, 8, 7,
and 3 days. By substituting 13, 12, 9, 8, 7, and 3 days into

y = 1 x ( x > 0 ) , ##EQU00003##

the dependent variables corresponding to 13, 12, 9, 8, 7, and 3 are 1/13,
1/12, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, and 1/3, respectively. Therefore, the at least one
first weight may be one of 1/13, 1/12, 1/9, 1/8, 1/7, and 1/3.

[0070] When calculating a first weighted value for the at least one valid
environment state based on the at least one first weight, the intelligent
device may multiply the at least one valid environment state by the
corresponding first weight to obtain at least one first value, and then
add the at least one first value to obtain a first weighted value.

[0071] For example, the at least one valid environment state may include
26.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 27.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 28.degree.
C., and 24.degree. C., such that the first weight corresponding to
26.degree. C. may be 1/13, the first weight corresponding to 24.degree.
C. may be 1/12, the first weight corresponding to 27.degree. C. may be
1/9, the first weight corresponding to 24.degree. C. may be 1/8, the
first weight corresponding to 28.degree. C. may be 1/7, and the first
weight corresponding to 24.degree. C. may be 1/3, respectively. Then the
first weighted value may be 26.times. 1/13+24.times. 1/12+27.times.
1/9+24.times.1/8+28.times. 1/7+24.times.1/3=22, respectively.

[0072] The intelligent device may determine the first target environment
state based on the operating habits of a user, which may vary gradually
due to the influence of factors such as the different seasons throughout
the year and may be reflected by the plurality of historical environment
states in the different embodiments of the present disclosure. It follows
that the plurality of historical environment states may be updated
accordingly. In other words, the intelligent device may receive a first
updating instruction carrying a second target environment state, and may
update the plurality of historical environment states based on the second
target environment state, so that the plurality of historical environment
states may reflect the latest operating habits of the user, thus
providing the accuracy of the first target environment state determined
based on the plurality of historical environment states. The closer the
historical environment state gets the more the weight value. The target
environment states may be calculated based on the historical environment
states, which are the states that has been used by the user.

[0073] It is to be noted that the first updating instruction may be used
to adjust the current environment state to the second target environment
state by the intelligent device. The first updating instruction may be
triggered by a user. For example, the user may trigger the first updating
instruction by implementing a specified operation such as inputting a
clicking command via a button on the intelligent device, inputting a
sliding command via a touch screen on the intelligent device, inputting a
voice command via a microphone on the intelligent device and so on, and
the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit in
the context.

[0074] When updating the plurality of historical environment states based
on the second target environment state, the intelligent device may
acquire a second historical date for the plurality of historical
environment states, respectively, wherein the second historical date may
be a date on which an environment state was adjusted to the historical
environment states by the intelligent device. The intelligent device may
further select a historical environment state having an earliest second
historical date from the plurality of historical environment states, and
replace the selected historical environment state with the second target
environment state. Alternatively, the intelligent device may acquire at
least one abnormal environment state from the plurality of historical
environment states, and replace any of the at least one abnormal
environment state with the second target environment state. Of course,
the intelligent device may update the plurality of historical environment
states based on the second target environment state by other ways, and
the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit in
the context.

[0075] It is to be noted that the second historical date may be a date on
which the plurality of historical environment states were stored by the
intelligent device, respectively.

[0077] As another example, the second target environment state may be
28.degree. C., and the plurality of historical environment states may be
26.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 14.degree. C., 27.degree. C., 24.degree.
C., 28.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 24.degree. C., 16.degree. C., and
33.degree. C. The at least one abnormal environment state acquired from
the plurality of historical environment states by the intelligent device
may be 14.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 16.degree. C., and 33.degree. C., in
which case the intelligent device may replace any of the abnormal
environment states (14.degree. C., 32.degree. C., 16.degree. C., and
33.degree. C.) with the second target environment state (28.degree. C.).

[0078] At step (b) the intelligent device may select at least one valid
time from a plurality of historical times, wherein the historical times
may describe previous times when the intelligent device was controlled to
achieve a target environment state, determine a second weighted value for
the at least one valid time, and set the second weighted value as the
target time.

[0079] When selecting the at least one valid time from the plurality of
historical times, the intelligent device may select from historical times
within a specified time range, and determine the selected historical
times as the at least one valid time. Alternatively, the intelligent
device may acquire abnormal times from the plurality of historical times,
and determine the historical times that were not selected as abnormal
times to be the at least one valid time. The intelligent device may also
select the at least one valid time from a plurality of historical times
by other ways, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not
intended to limit in the context.

[0080] For example, the plurality of historical times may include 18:26,
18:24, 13:14, 18:27, 18:24, 18:28, 15:32, 18:24, 23:16, and 17:33
(according to the 24 hour clock), and the specified time range may be a
range from 18:00-22:00 (according to the 24 hour clock). Then the
intelligent device may select the historical times 18:26, 18:24, 18:27,
18:24, 18:28, and 18:24, time that are within the range of 18:00-22:00,
from the plurality of historical times. It follows that the selected
historical times, namely 18:26, 18:24, 18:27, 18:24, 18:28, and 18:24,
may be set to be the at least one valid times.

[0081] As another example, the plurality of historical times may include
18:26, 18:24, 13:14, 18:27, 18:24, 18:28, 15:32, 18:24, 23:16, and 17:33
(according to the 24 hour clock), and the abnormal times acquired from
the plurality of historical times by the intelligent device may include
13:14, 15:32, 23:16, and 17:33 (according to the 24 hour clock). Then the
intelligent device may determine that the historical times that are not
identified as abnormal times include 18:26, 18:24, 18:27, 18:24, 18:28,
and 18:24, which may then be set as the at least one valid times.

[0082] It is to be noted that the valid times may be the times in the
plurality of historical times that may be used to determine the target
time, and the abnormal times may be the times in the plurality of
historical times that may be abnormal. In other words, the features of
the abnormal times may differ from those of the historical times other
than the abnormal times in the plurality of historical times.

[0083] In addition, the specified time range may be preset. For example,
the range of 18:00-22:00 may be a preset range.

[0084] When acquiring the abnormal times from the plurality of historical
times, the intelligent device may acquire the abnormal times by its own
anomaly detection module, and may also acquire the abnormal times by an
installed third-party anomaly detection application, and the embodiments
of the present disclosure are not intended to limit in the context.

[0085] When determining the second weighted value for the at least one
valid time, the intelligent device may acquire at least one third
historical date corresponding to the at least one valid time,
respectively, wherein the third historical date may be a date for
controlling the intelligent device at the valid time. The intelligent
device may further determine at least one second weight using a specified
function based on the at least one third historical date, and calculate a
second weighted value for the at least one valid time based on the at
least one second weight.

[0086] It is to be noted that the third historical date of the at least
one valid time may be a date on which the at least one valid time was
stored by the intelligent device, respectively.

[0087] In addition, the second weight may be a representation of the level
to which the valid time corresponding to the second weight can be relied
upon when determining the target time.

[0088] The process of determining at least one second weight using a
specified function based on the at least one third historical date by the
intelligent device may be similar to the process of determining at least
one first weight in step (a) of step 202, which will not be detailed
herein.

[0089] When calculating the second weighted value for the at least one
valid time based on the at least one second weight, the intelligent
device may multiply the at least one valid time by the corresponding
second weight to obtain at least one second value, and then add the at
least one second value together to obtain a second weighted value.

[0090] For example, the at least one valid time may be 18:26, 18:24,
18:27, 18:24, 18:28, and 18:24 (according to the 24 hour clock), and the
second weight corresponding to 18:26 may be 1/13, the second weight
corresponding to 18:24 may be 1/12, the second weight corresponding to
18:27 may be 1/9, the second weight corresponding to 18:24 may be 1/8,
the second weight corresponding to 18:28 may be 1/7, and the second
weight corresponding to 18:24 may be 1/3. In this case, the second
weighted value may be 18:26.times. 1/13+18:24.times. 1/12+18:27.times.
1/9+18:24.times.1/8+18:28.times. 1/7+18:24.times.1/3=18:22.

[0091] The intelligent device may determine the target time based on the
operating habits of a user, which may vary gradually due to the influence
of some factors such as the different seasons throughout the year and may
be reflected by the plurality of historical times in the different
embodiments of the present disclosure. It follows that the plurality of
historical times may be updated accordingly. In other words, the
intelligent device may acquire a receiving time for receiving a second
updating instruction upon receiving the second updating instruction, and
update the plurality of the historical times based on the receiving time,
so that the plurality of historical times may reflect the latest
operating habits of a user, thus providing the accuracy of a target time
determined based on the plurality of historical times.

[0092] It is to be noted that the second updating instruction may be used
to control the intelligent device. The second updating instruction may be
triggered by a user. For example, the user may trigger the second
updating instruction by implementing a specified operation such as
inputting a clicking command via a button on the intelligent device,
inputting a sliding command via a touch screen on the intelligent device,
inputting a voice command via a microphone on the intelligent device and
so on, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to
limit in the context.

[0093] When updating the plurality of the historical times based on the
receiving time, the intelligent device may acquire a fourth historical
date of the plurality of historical times, respectively, wherein the
fourth historical date may be a date for controlling the intelligent
device at the historical times. The intelligent device may further select
a historical time having an earliest fourth historical date from the
plurality of historical times; and replace the selected historical time
with the receiving time. Alternatively, the intelligent device may
acquire at least one abnormal time from the plurality of historical
times, and replace any of the at least one abnormal time with the
receiving time. Of course, the intelligent device may update the
plurality of historical times based on the receiving time by other ways,
and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended to limit
in the context.

[0094] It is to be noted that the fourth historical date may be a date on
which the plurality of historical times were stored by the intelligent
device respectively.

[0095] For example, the receiving time may be 18:39, and the plurality of
historical times may include 18:26, 18:24, 13:14, 18:27, 18:24, 18:28,
15:32, 18:24, 23:16, and 17:33 (according to the 24 hour clock). The
fourth historical date corresponding to the plurality of historical times
(18:26, 18:24, 13:14, 18:27, 18:24, 18:28, 15:32, 18:24, 23:16, and
17:33) may be Dec. 5, 2014, Dec. 6, 2014, Dec. 8, 2014, Dec. 9, 2014,
Dec. 10, 2014, Dec. 11, 2014, Dec. 12, 2014, Dec. 15, 2014, Dec. 16,
2014, and Dec. 17, 2014, respectively. Here, the historical time having
the earliest fourth historical date is 18:26 on Dec. 5, 2014, in which
case the intelligent device may replace the historical time with the
earliest fourth historical date (18:26) with the receiving time (18:39).

[0096] As another example, the receiving time may be 18:39, and the
plurality of historical times may include 18:26, 18:24, 13:14, 18:27,
18:24, 18:28, 15:32, 18:24, 23:16, and 17:33 (according to the 24 hour
clock), and the at least one abnormal time acquired from the plurality of
historical times by the intelligent device may include 13:14, 15:32,
23:16, and 17:33. In this case, then, the intelligent device may replace
any of the abnormal times (13:14, 15:32, 23:16, and 17:33) with the
received time (18:39).

[0097] In step 203, the intelligent device may be controlled based on the
current time, the running time and the target time.

[0098] The intelligent device may predict that a user will adjust the
current environment state to the first target environment state at the
target time. In other words, the intelligent device may predict the
environment state at the target time to be the first target environment
state. Therefore, in order to ensure the environment state at the target
time to be the first target environment state, the intelligent device may
generate a predicted time by adding the running time to the current time,
and then control the intelligent device based on the predicted time and
the target time.

[0099] In obtaining the predicted time, the intelligent device may obtain
the predicted time in real time, or may obtain the predicted time at an
interval of a second specified time. The intelligent device may not
obtain the predicted time when the intelligent device obtains the
predicted time within a time period far from the target time, since the
predicted time is far from the target time and the intelligent device
will not be controlled to adjust the current environment state to the
first target environment state. Therefore, the intelligent device may
determine a target time period based on the target time included in the
target time period, and obtain the predicted time in real time within the
target time period or obtain the predicted time at an interval of the
second specified time within the target time period, so as to avoid
obtaining the predicted time blindly within a time period far from the
target time, saving on the processing resources of the intelligent
device.

[0100] In order to obtain the predicted time in real time, the intelligent
device may acquire the current time and the current environment state in
real time. In order to obtain the predicted time at the interval of the
second specified time, the intelligent device may acquire the current
time and the current environment state at the interval of the second
specified time.

[0101] It is to be noted that the second specified time may be preset. For
example, the second specified time may be preset to be 5 minutes, 6
minutes and so on. The embodiments of the present disclosure are not
intended to limit in the context.

[0102] When controlling the intelligent device based on the predicted time
and the target time, the intelligent device may obtain the predicted time
in real time, and control the intelligent device when the predicted time
is the same as the target time, thereby increasing the accuracy of
controlling the intelligent device. Alternatively, the intelligent device
may obtain the predicted time at the interval of the second specified
time, and in this case, the intelligent device may determine a first
difference value between the target time and the predicted time, and
control the intelligent device when the first difference value is less
than a first specified time, thereby saving the processing resources of
the intelligent device.

[0103] It is to be noted that the first specified time may be preset. For
example, the first specified time may be preset to be 1 minute, 5 minutes
and so on, and the embodiments of the present disclosure are not intended
to limit in the context.

[0104] For example, when a predicted time is 18:22, and a target time is
18:22, then the intelligent device may be controlled since the predicted
time is the same as the target time.

[0105] As another example, the first specified time may be 5 minutes, the
predicted time may be 18:19, and the target time may be 18:22. The first
difference value between the target time and the predicted time in this
case is 3 minutes. Therefore the determination for controlling the
intelligent device may be confirmed based on the first difference value
(i.e. 3 minutes) being less than the first specified time (i.e. 5
minutes).

[0106] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a device 400 for controlling
an intelligent device according to an example embodiment of the present
disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the device may comprise: an acquiring
module 401 configured to acquire a current time and a current environment
state; a first determining module 402 configured to determine a running
time required to adjust the current environment state to a first target
environment state, the first target environment state being an
environment state at a target time, the target time being a time for
controlling the intelligent device; and a controlling module 403
configured to control the intelligent device based on the current time,
the running time and the target time.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 5, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the controlling module 403 may comprise: an adding unit 403-1
configured to obtain a predicted time by adding the current time and the
running time; and a controlling unit 403-2 configured to control the
intelligent device based on the predicted time and the target time.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the controlling unit 403-2 may comprise: a first controlling
sub-unit 403-2-1 configured to control the intelligent device when the
predicted time is the same as the target time; or a second controlling
sub-unit 403-2-2 configured to determine a first difference value between
the target time and the predicted time, and control the intelligent
device when the first difference value is less than a first specified
time.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 7, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the device 400 may further comprise: a first selecting module
404 configured to select at least one valid environment state from a
plurality of historical environment states, the historical environment
states being environment states adjusted by the intelligent device before
the current time; a second determining module 405 configured to determine
a first weighted value for the at least one valid environment state; and
a third determining module 406 configured to determine the first weighted
value as the first target environment state.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 8, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the second determining module 405 may comprise: a first
acquiring unit 405-1 configured to acquire a first historical date of for
the at least one valid environment state respectively to obtain at least
one first historical date, the first historical date being a date on
which an environment state was adjusted to the valid environment state by
the intelligent device; a first determining unit 405-2 configured to
determine at least one first weight using a specified function based on
the at least one first historical date; and a first calculating unit
405-3 configured to calculate a first weighted value for the at least one
valid environment state based on the at least one first weight.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 9, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the device 400 may further comprise: a first receiving module
407 configured to receive a first updating instruction, the first
updating instruction carrying a second target environment state; and a
first updating module 408 configured to update the plurality of
historical environment states based on the second target environment
state.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 10, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the first updating module 408 may comprise: a second
acquiring unit 408-1 configured to acquire a second historical date of
for the plurality of historical environment states respectively, the
second historical date being a date on which an environment state was
adjusted to the historical environment states by the intelligent device;
a first selecting unit 408-2 configured to select from the plurality of
historical environment states a historical environment state having an
earliest second historical date; and a first replacing unit 408-3
configured to replace the selected historical environment state with the
second target environment state.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 11, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the device 400 may further comprise: a second selecting
module 409 configured to select at least one valid time from a plurality
of historical times, the historical times being times for controlling the
intelligent device before the current time; a fourth determining module
410 configured to determine a second weighted value for the at least one
valid time; and a fifth determining module 411 configured to determine
the second weighted value as the target time.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 12, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the fourth determining module 410 may comprise: a third
acquiring unit 410-1 configured to acquire a third historical date for
the at least one valid time respectively to obtain at least one third
historical date, the third historical date being a date for controlling
the intelligent device at the valid time; a second determining unit 410-2
configured to determine at least one second weight using a specified
function based on the at least one third historical date; and a second
calculating unit 410-3 configured to calculate a second weighted value
for the at least one valid time based on the at least one second weight.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 13, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the device 400 may further comprise: a second receiving
module 412 configured to acquire, upon receiving the second updating
instruction, a receiving time for receiving a second updating
instruction; and a second updating module 413 configured to update the
plurality of the historical times based on the receiving time.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 14, according to some embodiments of the present
disclosure, the second updating module 413 may comprise: a fourth
acquiring unit 413-1 configured to acquire a fourth historical date for
the plurality of historical times respectively, the fourth historical
date being a date for controlling the intelligent device at the
historical times; a second selecting unit 413-2 configured to select from
the plurality of historical times a historical time having an earliest
fourth historical date; and a second replacing unit 413-3 configured to
replace the selected historical time with the receiving time.

[0117] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the intelligent
device may acquire the current time and the current environment state,
determine the running time required to adjust the current environment
state to the first target environment state, and then control the
intelligent device automatically based on the current time, the running
time and the target time. The control process is simple, and the
operation overhead for a user is decreased.

[0118] With respect to the devices in above embodiments, specific manners
in which respective modules perform operations have been described in
detail in embodiments related to methods, which will not be elaborated
herein.

[0119] FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary computing
device 1500 for controlling an intelligent device according to the
present disclosure. For example, the computing device 1500 may be a
standalone controller device in communication with the intelligent
device. Alternatively, the computing device 1500 may be included as part
of the intelligent device.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 15, the computing device 1500 may include one or
more of the following components: a processing component 1502, a memory
1504, a power component 1506, a multimedia component 1508, an audio
component 1510, an input/output (I/O) interface 1512, a sensor component
1514, and a communication interface 1516.

[0121] The processing component 1502 controls overall operations of the
computing device 1500, such as the operations associated with display,
data communications, and recording operations, as well as for
implementing the processes described herein. The processing component
1502 may include one or more processors 1520 to execute instructions to
perform all or part of the steps in the above described methods.
Moreover, the processing component 1502 may include one or more modules
which facilitate the interaction between the processing component 1502
and other components. For instance, the processing component 1502 may
include a multimedia module to facilitate the interaction between the
multimedia component 1508 and the processing component 1502. A module may
include a combination of hardware, software, and/or circuitry for
implementing its described features.

[0122] The memory 1504 is configured to store various types of data to
support the operation of the computing device 1500. Examples of such data
include instructions for any applications or methods operated on the
computing device 1500, environmental states, times, and other information
referenced by the processing component 1502. For example, the memory 1504
may include the database for storing the historical environment states.
The memory 1504 may be implemented using any type of volatile or
non-volatile memory devices, or a combination thereof, such as a static
random access memory (SRAM), an electrically erasable programmable
read-only memory (EEPROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory
(EPROM), a programmable read-only memory (PROM), a read-only memory
(ROM), a magnetic memory, a flash memory, a magnetic or optical disk.

[0123] The power component 1506 provides power to various components of
the computing device 1500. The power component 1506 may include a power
management system, one or more power sources, and any other components
associated with the generation, management, and distribution of power in
the computing device 1500.

[0124] The multimedia component 1508 includes a screen providing an output
interface between the computing device 1500 and the user. In some
embodiments, the screen may include a liquid crystal display (LCD) and a
touch panel (TP). If the screen includes the touch panel, the screen may
be implemented as a touch screen to receive input signals from the user.
The touch panel includes one or more touch sensors to sense touches,
swipes, and gestures on the touch panel. The touch sensors may not only
sense a boundary of a touch or swipe action, but also sense a period of
time and a pressure associated with the touch or swipe action.

[0125] The audio component 1510 is configured to output and/or input audio
signals. For example, the audio component 1510 includes a microphone
("MIC") configured to receive an external audio signal when the computing
device 1500 is in an operation mode, such as a recording mode and a voice
recognition mode. The received audio signal may be further stored in the
memory 1504 or transmitted via the communication interface 1516. In some
embodiments, the audio component 1510 further includes a speaker to
output audio signals.

[0126] The I/O interface 1512 provides an interface between the processing
component 1502 and peripheral interface modules, such as a keyboard, a
click wheel, buttons, and the like. The buttons may include, but are not
limited to, a home button, a volume button, a starting button, and a
locking button.

[0127] The sensor component 1514 includes one or more sensors to provide
status assessments of various aspects of the computing device 1500. For
instance, the sensor component 1514 may detect an open/closed status of
the computing device 1500, relative positioning of components, e.g., the
display and the keypad, of the computing device 1500, a change in
position of the computing device 1500 or a component of the computing
device 1500, a presence or absence of user contact with the computing
device 1500, an orientation or an acceleration/deceleration of the
computing device 1500, and a change in temperature of the computing
device 1500. The sensor component 1514 may include a proximity sensor
configured to detect the presence of nearby objects without any physical
contact. The sensor component 1514 may also include a light sensor, such
as a CMOS or CCD image sensor, for use in imaging applications. In some
embodiments, the sensor component 1514 may also include an accelerometer
sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a magnetic sensor, a pressure sensor, or a
temperature sensor.

[0128] The communication interface 1516 is configured to facilitate
communication, wired or wirelessly, between the computing device 1500 and
other devices. The computing device 1500 can access a wireless network
based on a communication standard, such as WiFi, 2G, or 3G, or a
combination thereof. In one example embodiment, the communication
interface 1516 receives a broadcast signal or broadcast associated
information from an external broadcast management system via a broadcast
channel. In one example embodiment, the communication interface 1516
further includes a near field communication (NFC) module to facilitate
short-range communications. For example, the NFC module may be
implemented based on a radio frequency identification (RFID) technology,
an infrared data association (IrDA) technology, an ultra-wideband (UWB)
technology, a Bluetooth (BT) technology, and other technologies.

[0130] In example embodiments, there is also provided a non-transitory
computer readable storage medium including instructions, such as included
in the memory 1504, executable by the processor 1520 in the computing
device 1500, for performing the above-described methods. For example, the
non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be a ROM, a random
access memory (RAM), a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disc, an optical
data storage device, and the like.

[0131] A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored
therein instructions that, when executed by the processor of the
computing device 1500, causes the computing device 1500 to perform the
above described methods for controlling an intelligent device. The
methods comprising, for example: acquiring a current time and a current
environment state; determining a running time required to adjust the
current environment state to a first target environment state, the first
target environment state being an environment state at a target time, the
target time being a time for controlling the intelligent device; and
controlling the intelligent device based on the current time, the running
time and the target time.

[0132] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure,
controlling the intelligent device based on the current time, the running
time and the target time may comprise: obtaining a predicted time by
adding the current time and the running time; and controlling the
intelligent device based on the predicted time and the target time.

[0133] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure,
controlling the intelligent device based on the predicted time and the
target time may comprise: controlling the intelligent device when the
predicted time is the same as the target time; or determining a first
difference value between the target time and the predicted time, and
controlling the intelligent device when the first difference value is
less than a first specified time.

[0134] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method
may further comprise, before the determining a running time required to
adjust the current environment state to a first target environment state:
selecting at least one valid environment state from a plurality of
historical environment states, the historical environment states being
environment states adjusted by the intelligent device before the current
time; determining a first weighted value for the at least one valid
environment state; and determining the first weighted value as the first
target environment state.

[0135] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure,
determining a first weighted value for the at least one valid environment
state may comprise: acquiring a first historical date for the at least
one valid environment state respectively to obtain at least one first
historical date, the first historical date being a date on which an
environment state was adjusted to the valid environment state by the
intelligent device; determining at least one first weight using a
specified function based on the at least one first historical date; and
calculating a first weighted value for the at least one valid environment
state based on the at least one first weight.

[0136] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method
may further comprise: receiving a first updating instruction, the first
updating instruction carrying a second target environment state; and
updating the plurality of historical environment states based on the
second target environment state.

[0137] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, updating
the plurality of historical environment states based on the second target
environment state may comprise: acquiring a second historical date for
the plurality of historical environment states respectively, the second
historical date being a date on which an environment state was adjusted
to the historical environment states by the intelligent device; selecting
from the plurality of historical environment states a historical
environment state having an earliest second historical date; and
replacing the selected historical environment state with the second
target environment state.

[0138] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method
may further comprise, before the determining a running time required to
adjust the current environment state to a first target environment state:
selecting at least one valid time from a plurality of historical times,
the historical times being times for controlling the intelligent device
before the current time; determining a second weighted value for the at
least one valid time; and determining the second weighted value as the
target time.

[0139] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure,
determining a second weighted value for the at least one valid time may
comprise: acquiring a third historical date for the at least one valid
time respectively to obtain at least one third historical date, the third
historical date being a date for controlling the intelligent device at
the valid time; determining at least one second weight using a specified
function based on the at least one third historical date; and calculating
a second weighted value for the at least one valid time based on the at
least one second weight.

[0140] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method
may further comprise: acquiring, upon receiving a second updating
instruction, a receiving time for receiving the second updating
instruction; and updating the plurality of the historical times based on
the receiving time.

[0141] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, updating
the plurality of the historical times based on the receiving time may
comprise: acquiring a fourth historical date for the plurality of
historical times respectively, the fourth historical date being a date
for controlling the intelligent device at the historical times; selecting
from the plurality of historical times a historical time having an
earliest fourth historical date; and replacing the selected historical
time with the receiving time.

[0142] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the
intelligent device may acquire the current time and the current
environment state, determine the running time required to adjust the
current environment state to the first target environment state, and then
control the intelligent device automatically based on the current time,
the running time and the target time. The control process is simple, and
the operation overhead for a user is decreased.

[0143] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice
of the disclosures herein. This application is intended to cover any
variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure following the general
principles thereof and including such departures from the present
disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art. It is
intended that the specification and embodiments be considered as
illustrative only, with a true scope and spirit of the disclosure being
indicated by the following claims.

[0144] It will be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited
to the exact construction that has been described above and illustrated
in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes
can be made without departing from the scope thereof. It is intended that
the scope of the invention only be limited by the appended claims.